Talk about a major dissappointment!!!

Well, I was all excited about having my surgery next week on Monday.  I did my preop on Monday (9th) and then today I had my appointment with my Dr.  He walked into the room and told me that he had some disappointing news for me.  He was not going to do the surgery because I hadnt quit smoking long enough.  I could have sworn that I was told by one of the nurses that as long as I quit at least one week prior to surgery, I was good.  Well, no go there...Dr says I need to be quit a minimum of two months before he will even do the surgery.  He told me there was no budging on that either. I think every emotion that I could have possibly have went through me at this time...He had asked me if this was ok and of course I was upset and told him this was the only time that was perfect because it gives me a month recovery before classes start.  I am a full time student and this fall I was planning on taking 6 classes.  He had asked me if I could take a semester off and I told him that it was not possible.  He then asked me if my schooling or my health was more important.  That was kind of a hard one because I truly consider them both to be pretty damn equal.   He then asked me if I was still going to do the surgery or if I was going to start smoking again and quit the whole process.  I am so not going to give up after all this so I told him I am going to make the 2 months and then hopefully we can reschedule the surgery and work something out with all my instructors with any classwork that I may miss during this time. He is planning on seeing me every two weeks and monitoring my quit smoking process to make sure I quit.  Every emotion possible is going through me right now but the major one is complete disappointment.  Disappointment that I didnt quit sooner....but then again I am thankful that the doc is sticking to his guns and not trying to just earn money.  This doesnt mean that I am not angry or hurt but oh well, I guess I have two months to wait now and then I will have my surgery.... Deni

You have so much strength! I'm proud of you that you're not giving up or giving in and I'm glad your doctor isn't either... I quit about 6 months before my surgery, but if I would've gotten the news you got, I would have immediatly needed a cig...  Keep strong! You'll make it! :fairy: Lori 3/30/04 Dr. R. Cullen Thomas 380/197/180 was/am/goal!

Deni. So sorry your surgery got stopped but you can still be strong and stop the smoking.  I also live in Lawton and have come back to this site after many years because I stopped doing what I should be doing and now need the support of others to start over. Debbie

Thank you very much both of you.  I will have to say that I really did want that cigarette after leaving there...shoot, I have been on that liquid diet already for over a week, quit smoking, and really dont do much of anything else.  I really did want to tell him where to go but then again, the more I cooled off the more I felt better about the doctor.  Sure doesnt make it any easier.  So I have to wait 8 more weeks...how many years have I waited already.  This can be done.... But I will have to say that when I got home, my mom and I went to the casino to blow some money and steam (Ladies night on Tuesdays, so you get $10) and then we went to the new Wing place that opened up...It was too fun because they had Karoke going on which was fun to listen too...we hardly touched our wings (which on tuesdays they are 40 cents a wing) and brought most of them home for everyone else in the house to eat.... Today I feel better and I made a calendar and notebook to keep everything in that has to do with this...recipies, website info, everything....and the calendar counts down to my 8 weeks and beyond and I plan on marking each day off as I get closer and actually do this.... Thanks again.... Deni

Trust me, your doctor is right, and you should feel good about having chosen him.  If he had gone ahead and done the surgery, you could have had major complications afterwards.  I quit smoking 10 weeks before my surgery and hadn't even smoked for very long, but I had a little difficulty with breathing after surgery and had to be on oxygen for the majority of my time in the hospital, which was two days. I know you are disappointed, but this really is the best thing for you.  Hang in there, and double your resolve.  You will find a way to make it all work, even with school.  Planning ahead is always the best thing to do, and your instructors should be willing to work with you!   Good luck! 

Thank you very much, you are right.  I know that but it truly doesnt make it that much easier....I honestly think the doctor was expecting me to say screw it and quit right there....i am going to do what I need to to get thru this and wait for the next date that he sets for me...

When I went to my surgeon's seminar we were told right then and there that you had to be smoke free for 90 days or he would not operate.That he actually has each patient take a test to prove that they are smoke free. Thank God I do not smoke. But I can understand your frustration. Did I understand right that you have to start all over with not smoking the 2 weeks that you have already done does not count?

Yes, he is starting it from this past monday when the test was taken to compare the nicotine levels at each visit to make sure that I am truly quit.  I was a little frustrated that it was like I hadnt quit at all but that is ok...this is my test and I am going to pass it...

It is a shame that you were not made aware of this before now.I am frustrated for you to. I understand why they do not want you to smoke. BUT when you give up 2 bad behavior patterns what do they expect you to do. You are giving food and smoking.....what will be next.... I am thinking of you and you got me in your corner for support... pattye

Thank you very much...I really appreciate it.